Question and answer on changes, rules in XFL.(The Orlando Sentinel)

Question: What is the XFL? Will it be anything like pro wrestling?

Answer: The XFL (which does not stand for Xtreme Football League) is a new professional football league founded and operated by Vince McMahon, the owner of the World Wrestling Federation. It will be real football that will be marketed in a fashion similar to professional wrestling.

Q: So games won't be scripted like WWF matches?

A: Everybody involved in the league says no, from players to coaches to executives. Practices, which have been open to the public, indicate that teams are preparing like normal teams. They hit, they practice field goals and special situations, and they run, pass, block and tackle. That said, McMahon promises the XFL will have a much faster pace. There will be less time between plays (35 seconds) and a shorter halftime (10 minutes). The goal is to have games last three hours or less. After all, it's television programming.

Q: How many teams are in the league and who owns them?

A: The XFL owns all eight expansion franchises. There are two four-team divisions. The Orlando Rage, Chicago Enforcers, Birmingham Thunderbolts and New York/New Jersey Hitmen are in the Eastern Division. The Los Angeles Xtreme, Memphis Maniax, San Francisco Demons and Las Vegas Outlaws play in the Western Division. The XFL helped put together management teams, including coaches and front office staffs to run each team's daily operations.

Q: When does the season start? How long does it last?